GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Casey Webb of "Man V. Food" had never been to Michigan before his visit in November.

Exploring new cities is one of the things the host of the revamped Travel Show loves about his job.

"That's one of the most exciting things about the show ... I get to travel," he said in a recent interview with MLive.

What grabbed at his heart, or make that his stomach, when he was in West Michigan for the Season 2 finale, which airs at 9 p.m. Monday (Feb. 12, 2018)?

"My stomach put my heart in a headlock, and then squeezed it so very tight," he said in the interview. (Full Podcast below.)

"You would think it would be food first, but for me it's all about the people," he said

Webb grew up in the restaurant industry "from back of the house to front of the house" on the Jersey Shore.

When he auditioned for a job at the Travel Channel, he was told it was for a new show. He had no clue he would follow in the footsteps of original host Adam Richman.

He has a lot of respect for Richman, who really inspired restaurants to add challenges to spice up their business.

On Webb's Michigan adventure he stopped at the iconic Beltline Bar (known for the Famous Wet Burrito), Grand Rapids Brewing Co. (for a special sandwich and beer), and Dog Central in Mt. Pleasant (for his eating challenge).

"I have grown to love the people in my travels, especially in Grand Rapids," he said.

"And then there was food to have, and then there was beer to have... I was welcomed with open arms and treated great."

Details: On the episode, Webb learns about the restaurant's Famous Wet Burrito. Owner Jeff Lobdell takes him to the secret spice room. Watch Party: World Famous Beltline Bar Burritos ALL DAY for only $4.99 and House Margaritas for $3.99 on Monday Feb 12 for our Man V Food Watch Party! More info on the restaurant's Facebook page.

Grand Rapids Brewing Co., 1 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

GRBC

Details: GRBC shows off its 1-800-HOTLINE-BEEF sandwich. Watch Party: Happy-hour pricing from 8 p.m. until closing. More info on the Event Page.

Dog Central, 111 E Michigan St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858

The DC Challenge!John Gonzalez/MLive

Details: Webb takes on the DC Challenge; 3 foot-long chili dogs, a mountain of fries (more than 1 pound), onion rings, and a 20-oz. drink. Can he do it? Owner Paul McFall said Webb was a "worthy competitor." Tune in to find out how he does. Watch Party: Specials from 5-11pm! More details on the Facebook page.